Podgorica starts construction of EUR 50 million wastewater treatment system

The City of Podgorica has started the construction of the main sewage collector within a wastewater treatment system project, an investment of more than EUR 50 million.

Mayor Ivan Vuković said the project of the century for the capital of Montenegro, as it is called, provides protection of the Morača river, groundwaters and water supply sources in the Skadar Lake basin.

The project will provide protection of the Morača river, groundwaters and water supply sources in the Skadar Lake basin

The project includes four components – the main sewage collector longer than five kilometers, now under construction, the installation of a 20 kilometers of sewerage network, which should start these days, and the construction of a new bridge on Morača river, which is expected to begin in the next two months.

KfW bank provided a EUR 35 million loan for the project

According to the mayor, the construction of the wastewater treatment plant is planned for the beginning of next year.

Construction company Bemax is responsible for the works.

The EU secured a EUR 10 million grant under the Western Balkans Investment Framework

The KfW bank has provided a EUR 35 million loan and the European Union secured a EUR 10 million grant under the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF). The bank also provided a donation of EUR 285,000 for the preparation of two studies included in the project documentation.

About 75% of water pollution comes from household waste

EU Ambassador to Montenegro Aivo Orav said 75% of water pollution comes from household waste, so that it is extremely important to invest in the proper collection and treatment of wastewater.

Today we marked the start of works on the main sewage collector in @GradPg. EU donated €10M towards the construction of the waste water treatment system in the capital. Important day for all citizens and key for environmental protection in 🇲🇪. Best of luck! #EUzaCG #EUsupport pic.twitter.com/fpCq7ba6Lk

— EU in Montenegro 🇪🇺 (@EUAmbME) May 18, 2020

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Montenegrin Prime Minister Duško Marković, German Ambassador to Montenegro Robert Weber, Montenegro’s chief negotiator with the EU Aleksandar Drljević, head of the KfW Group Office for Montenegro Željko Uljarević, and Bemax Executive Director Veselin Kovačević.